Talk to People

The number one tip on how to interview, " Talk to people." Brian Snyder tells his students. 

It is true young people are lacking those skills.  We assume they already know  how to do this. He offered some tips for the teachers at the Reynolds Institute on what  to tell their students. Which no matter what part of the country you are from, seems to ring true with all of our students.

Tell them to put those cell phones away and " talk to people." Snyder, tells his students to look someone in their eyes when you talk to them. 

Journalist have to talk to people. Give them an assignment on interviewing; the kitchen workers, the maintenance workers, the principal. Have them even practice on you.  They need to learn how to talk to someone by asking them questions. But, they must also listen too. We as teachers need to teach them these skills.

Talking and listening. It seems like such basic skills and simple. But, the truth true is, many students are afraid of doing interviews. 

I enjoyed the demonstration Brain Snyder gave on how to get that basic interview going. Make a triangle with the interviewer, the camera person and the person you are interviewing.

This seems like a simple exercise and wonderful practice for them. But the most important thing is get that cell phone out to their hands and just talk. 


Shelley Job
Hanover-Horton High School
Hanover, Michigan